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Document Type

Abstract

Publication Date

12-1-2024

Abstract

Background and Purpose: Being bullied has a negative impact on the psychological health of middle school students, particularly leading to an increase in depressive symptoms. However, physical exercise and family support may play a positive role in alleviating the level of depression among bullied students. This study aimed to explore the moderating effect of physical exercise and family support on depressive symptoms among bullied middle school students.

Methods: A survey research design was employed to collect relevant data from bullied middle school students using self-reported questionnaires. The sample comprised N = 476 bullied middle school students (age = 12.25 ± 0.73 years; male = 234, female = 242; only child = 85, non-only child = 391). The levels of being bullied, depression, physical exercise, and family support were assessed through subjective self-report questionnaires. Descriptive analysis, correlation analysis, and regression analysis were conducted using SPSS software with the PROCESS plugin. Additionally, a double moderation structural equation model (Model 3) was constructed.

Results: The results indicated a significant positive correlation between bullied and depression levels (r = 0.29, p < 0.001), and a significant negative correlation with family support (r = -0.31, p < 0.001) and physical activity levels (r = -0.13, p < 0.001). After controlling for gender, age, and being an only child, bullied significantly and positively predicted depression levels (β = 0.20, p < 0.001). Furthermore, physical exercise level exhibited a significant negative moderating effect on the relationship between bullied and depression (interaction term between physical activity and bullied: β = -0.14, p < 0.05), indicating that physical exercise can alleviate the depressive symptoms of bullied students. Moreover, family support significantly enhanced the moderating effect of physical activity (interaction term between family support, physical activity, and bullied: β = -0.10, p < 0.05), thus further reducing the depressive symptoms among bullied students.

Conclusion: This study revealed the moderating effects of physical exercise and family support on depressive symptoms among bullied middle school students through a double moderation model. The findings suggest that engaging in physical exercise on the basis of family support can alleviate depressive symptoms among bullied students. This research provides guidance for schools and families to promote the psychological well-being of bullied students and reduce the occurrence of depressive symptoms.

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